Symbolism of the Shofar

The quintessential symbol of Rosh Hashana is more than just a primitive trumpet.

During the blowing of the shofar on Rosh Hashana, notice there are three distinct sounds:

Tekiah – one long, straight blast

Shevarim – three medium, wailing sounds

Teruah – 9 quick blasts in short succession

Hear the Shofar SoundsYour browser does not support the audio element.

Let's examine each of these shofar sounds, and see how they relate to the different themes of Rosh Hashana.

THE TEKIAH SOUND

Rosh Hashana is the day of appreciating who God is. We then internalize that understanding so that it becomes a living, practical part of our everyday reality. God is all-powerful. God is the Creator. God is the Sustainer. God is the Supervisor. In short, God is King of the Universe.

But for many of us, the idea of a "king" conjures up images of a greedy and power-hungry despot who wants to subjugate the masses for his selfish aims.

In Jewish tradition, a king is first and foremost a servant of the people. His only concern is that the people live in happiness and harmony. His decrees and laws are only for the good of the people, not for himself. (see Maimonides, Laws of Kings 2:6)

The object of Rosh Hashana is to crown God as our King. Tekiah – the long, straight shofar blast – is the sound of the King's coronation (Malbim – Numbers 10:2). In the Garden of Eden, Adam's first act was to proclaim God as King. And now, the shofar proclaims to ourselves and to the world: God is our King. We set our values straight and return to the reality of God as the One Who runs the world... guiding history, moving mountains, and caring for each and every human being individually and personally.

Maimonides adds one important qualification: It isn't enough that God is MY King alone. If ALL humanity doesn't recognize God as King, then there is something lacking in my own relationship with God. Part of my love for the Almighty is to help guide all people to an appreciation of Him. Of course this is largely an expression of my deep caring for others. But it also affects my own sense of God's all-encompassing Kingship.

THE SHEVARIM SOUND

When we think about the year gone by, we know deep down that we've failed to live up to our full potential. In the coming year, we yearn not to waste that opportunity ever again. The Kabbalists say that Shevarim – three medium, wailing blasts – is the sobbing cry of a Jewish heart – yearning to connect, to grow, to achieve. (Tikunei Zohar – 20-21, 49a)

Every person has the ability to change and be great. This can be accomplished much faster than you ever dreamed of. The key is to pray from the bottom of your heart and ask God for the ability to become great. Don't let yourself be constrained by the past. You know you have enormous potential.

At the moment the shofar is blown, we cry out to God from the depths of our soul. This is the moment – when our souls stand before the Almighty without any barriers – that we can truly let go.

THE TERUAH SOUND

On Rosh Hashana, we need to wake up and be honest and objective about our lives: Who we are, where we've been, and which direction we're headed. The Teruah sound – 9 quick blasts in short succession – resembles an alarm clock, arousing us from our spiritual slumber. The shofar brings clarity, alertness, and focus. (Malbim – Yoel 2:1)

The Talmud says: "When there's judgment from below, there's no need for judgment from above." What this means is that if we take the time to construct a sincere, realistic model of how we've fallen short in the past, and what we expect to change in the future, then God doesn't need to "wake us up" to what we already know.

God wants us to make an honest effort to maximize the gifts He gave us. You aren't expected to be anything you're not. But you can't hoodwink God, either.

The reason we lose touch and make mistakes is because we don't take the time everyday to reconnect with our deepest desires and essence. The solution is to spend time alone everyday, asking: Am I on track? Am I focused? Am I pursuing goals which will make the greatest overall difference in my life and in the world? (See Personal Growth Worksheets)

Make it a habit to keep in touch with yourself, and when Rosh Hashana comes around, the alarm clock of the shofar won't be nearly as jarring!

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About the Author

Rabbi Shraga Simmons is the co-founder of Aish.com, and co-author of "48 Ways to Wisdom" (ArtScroll). He is Founder and Director of Aish.com's advanced learning site. He is co-founder of HonestReporting.com, and author of "David & Goliath", the definitive account of anti-Israel media bias. Originally from Buffalo, New York, he holds a degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, and rabbinic ordination from the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. He lives with his wife and children in the Modi'in region of Israel.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 29

(29)
brura,
September 11, 2014 6:17 PM

love the sounds of the Shofar

For so long I was unable to hear the shofar and then I kept looking at Aish.com for an article that had the shofar sounds in it. Thank you for returning the sounds to me. I used to play them on my bugle but some thieves stole that. I thought about using other instruments, however none would do. Thank you again for this article that utilizes the sounds of the shofar. I have listed it in my favorites so I can listen to it. Shana Tova.

(28)
Shira,
September 4, 2013 6:38 PM

Thank you

I am in a foreign Muslim land for Rosh Hashanah & am trying to do Rosh Hashanah alone here. I was grieved to be away from my community & not be able to hear the Shofar. Then I remembered Aish & have been able to hear the call - & I weep. Thank you. & my name is Simmons. Thank you for being there for me. Shanna Tova

(27)
Denise (Pahl) Williams,
February 26, 2013 1:44 AM

learning about Jewish traditions

I recently found out from an uncle who researched our family,that I was part Jewish. so nice to find out more about Jewish holidays, and the meanings of the shofar blasts. very interesting, and simply amazing.

(26)
SHERRY,
April 8, 2012 5:29 AM

THE SHOFAR IS A GREAT DEAL MORE THAN AN OLD TRUMPET.

The sounding fo the shofar will stir people to the depths of the soul. It will take you to the cross, your salvation, and your walk with God as it really is when you hear those notes.

(25)
Octavian Mwabende,
October 3, 2011 7:47 AM

Its inspiring and let this site continue sounding these "shofars" to the entire world. Beautiful !!!

I like it

(24)
Anonymous,
September 19, 2011 7:20 PM

graet article

(23)
jastlr,
June 23, 2011 6:27 PM

I was wondering were the quote that you quoted from the Talmud comes from.

(22)
Anonymous non jew,
May 21, 2011 5:56 PM

project

The information on this site really helped me with my school project. All I need now is the 4th sound used on Yom Kippur.

(21)
yohanna guzman,
September 10, 2010 11:14 PM

Thank you

Thank you, this info is very good and helpful I am going to be teaching the children the meaning of the shofar.

(20)
Anonymous,
August 8, 2010 3:48 PM

Excellent/ Thank you so much!!!!!!

(19)
Willem,
October 1, 2009 7:00 PM

Shofar as a weapon

May His face shine apon all who visit this site! Be blessed!
But be warned! The shofar is not just an awesome instrument to communicate our feelings with and not to be taken lightly! A shofar is an extremely powerful spiritual weapon. Readers must know their responsibility. Can you teach us more on this subject?

(18)
Anonymous,
September 7, 2007 1:54 AM

upside down

1st blast is the wake-up call2nd triad is the sobbing3rd blast is the gasping to make G-d our Kingship, and give us sense and value of a belonging to a group under his leadership

(17)
mordechhhai ben otu mbeyi,
August 15, 2007 1:23 PM

when I saw your text on the screen explaining the shofar I was gladened for haven seen the explanation of the tekiah,shevarim & teruah sounds but on my hearing the sound of the shofar it awe on reminding me the awesomeness of the days ahead.ie from rosh hashan.blessd Hashem who given you such knowledge.

(16)
Erika,
September 14, 2006 1:43 PM

Thank You

We were learning about this in Religion and this site was very helpful. We learned a lot.

(15)
rachel,
September 12, 2006 5:40 PM

shofar symbolism

This is a great guide for my meditations as I prepare for the high holidays this year. I will be blowing the shofar this year and needed some spiritual guidance beyond what the sounds are. This is by far the most useful resource I've found on the web so far.

(14)
Anonymous,
August 11, 2006 12:00 AM

Very good

Iliked it

(13)
Dolores M. Kaelin,
September 28, 2005 12:00 AM

Enlightening

This subject has been interesting to me for quite awhile. This has made it very clear. Thank you.

(12)
leibl,
September 27, 2005 12:00 AM

es maravilloso

(11)
Anonymous,
September 18, 2005 12:00 AM

great essay

(10)
stephanie bustamante,
November 29, 2004 12:00 AM

great website

this website is great. i liked it because it is very succinct. i love to learn about the amazing jewish religion and culture. it fascinates me how in touch jewish people are with their religion. others lose contact of that important factor in their life. after all of the struggles that the jewish people went through it has made the dedication and love to their religion and history stronger . thank you once again for this website

(9)
YOSEF SHARON IKEYAH,
September 8, 2004 12:00 AM

This site is very instructive and spiritually enrishing!

Thanks be to G-d for your highly instructive online shiurim which I found
very enriching.
As an Orthodox convert Candidate from the lost tribes resident in Lagos-Nigeria;I find your Shiurim quite helpful-amidst religious frustration and lack of material/literary resources.Is there any way you can help me the more?
May G-d remember your righteous efforts,Amen.

(8)
Gisela Kormes,
September 2, 2004 12:00 AM

Shnat Briut Veshalom

This site became very important for me and the students, Rabis, and morot, I work with,like Jewish Culture cordinator,in a Congregation, in Sao Paulo, Brasil.
Todá Rabá

(7)
Blanca de Santillana,
August 31, 2004 12:00 AM

Great and Helpfull

Thanks for this enriching guide online,because after hearing the Shofar so many times,it is a blessing to understand the meaning. I"ll keep it in mind whe i hear it this year.Shana tova to you and family.

(6)
Eric F. Scholl,
September 26, 2003 12:00 AM

Shana Tova

Thank you for providing this helpful and enriching guide online!
All the best to you and your family.

After so many years of hearing the SHofar it is nice to understand the meaning behind the sounds!
Thank you.

(3)
Ava Miller,
September 6, 2002 12:00 AM

Being a converted Jew, these articles are true guide

Wishing that you would never stop enlightening us from you sage ways.

(2)
Deana Blackwood,
August 21, 2002 12:00 AM

PAR EXCELLENCE

I'll keep this site on file and when I need to hear the powerful sounds of the shofar, I can do so. And I appreciate Rabbi Simmons excellent statement, "The key is to pray from the bottom of your heart". Thank you and Shalom

(1)
betty mccain,
August 19, 2002 12:00 AM

Shofar download

it was such a joy to be able to download the sound of the shofar. I have a small one and have practiced blowing it from time to time and i was blowing it along with your downloaded sound though i must admit not nearly good. Plus I am also listening to the download as I write my comments to you. So by the time I am finished writing you I will probably be most proficient at it. I really loved your comments and history of the shofar, I always wanted to know. thank you so much. Shalom